Brewers GM Says K-Rod & Axford Can Work Together

Posted:
Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:22 PM EDT

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Adding Francisco Rodriguez in a trade with the New York Mets leaves the Milwaukee Brewers with a pair of potential closers. And Brewers general manager Doug Melvin says both Rodriguez and current closer John Axford will get chances to finish games as the Brewers make a push for the playoffs.

Melvin says many of baseball's elite teams have recognizable players pitching both the eighth and ninth innings. Melvin said Wednesday that he's confident both Rodriguez and Axford will be willing to adjust to less-defined roles, whether they're setting up or closing on a given night.

The trade for Rodriguez, who is 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA and 23 saves this season, is another indication that the Brewers intend to win now. Melvin says he wants to be "all-in every year."